Simlipal, Dec 6: A remarkable discovery in Similipal has recently garnered attention at both national and international levels: the existence of the "Melanistic Tiger," a rare subspecies found exclusively in this region. This enigmatic creature has been featured in numerous magazines and has sparked significant debate and intrigue.
The Melanistic Tiger has raised controversy about its classification. Some experts consider it a genetic anomaly, while others argue that it is a distinct subspecies of the mighty Bengal Tiger. To untie this mystery, Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, and Dr. Debabrata Swain, a renowned tiger expert, have provided valuable insights based on their scientific research.
According to Gogineni, who holds a Ph.D. in Genetic Science, color variation among wild animals is a natural process. In the case of Similipal's Bengal tigers, the phenomenon is not the result of a genetic disorder, but rather a natural evolution of the species. "If it were a genetic disorder, physically disabled tigers would also be born," he explains. The primary cause of the Melanistic Tiger's unique traits, he believes, is the relatively small tiger population in the region. This leads to the breeding of multiple generations within a single family line, which increases the frequency of tigers with this rare coloration. Such variations would not occur if tigers from other families or regions were to interbreed.
While there have been attempts to introduce tigers from other regions into Similipal’s ecosystem, this process are complex and requires significant human intervention. Natural migration between tiger populations in different forests could eventually lead to interbreeding, but this would likely result in the emergence of genetic differences in the offspring, not only in Similipal but in other areas as well.
Gogineni also shares that these tigers were first observed in the region during the 1960s. In 1967, a tigress from Simlipal was sent to Nandankanan, where she was bred with a normal Bengal tiger. This pairing produced several Melanistic Tigers, confirming that these tigers were indeed a distinct subspecies. Further research revealed that this subspecies emerged exclusively within the isolated genetic pool of Simlipal's tigers.
Over the past two decades, ongoing research involving various experts and scientists has sought to understand the Melanistic Tiger. Dr. Debabrata Swain, a former PCCF and tiger expert, has published extensive findings in his book, The Secrets of Simlipal, based on years of research. He emphasizes that the Melanistic Tiger is not a genetic disorder, but rather a natural variation resulting from the restricted gene pool. Dr. Swain also warns of the challenges posed by the growing population of these tigers, especially as the lack of genetic diversity could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, which could devastate the entire population.
The conservation of this rare subspecies has garnered increasing interest, with both the central and state governments continuing research and efforts to protect and sustain the population of these exceptional tigers.
